Which of the following best describes an anion?

Which of the following best describes an anion?

• A. An ion with more electrons than protons
• B. An ion with equal numbers of electrons and protons
• C. An ion that has lost electrons
• D. An ion with fewer electrons than protons

Answer: (A)

An anion is defined as an ion that carries a negative charge, which occurs when it has more electrons than protons. This imbalance results in a net negative charge because the negatively charged electrons outnumber the positively charged protons. The description of an anion being more abundant in electrons than protons aligns perfectly with the characteristics that define it. In contrast, when an atom loses electrons, it becomes a cation, which carries a positive charge. An ion with equal numbers of electrons and protons is simply a neutral atom, not an ion at all. Therefore, the understanding of charge interactions in atoms is crucial for differentiating between anions, cations, and neutral species.

An anion is defined as an ion that carries a negative charge, which occurs when it has more electrons than protons. This imbalance results in a net negative charge because the negatively charged electrons outnumber the positively charged protons.

The description of an anion being more abundant in electrons than protons aligns perfectly with the characteristics that define it. In contrast, when an atom loses electrons, it becomes a cation, which carries a positive charge. An ion with equal numbers of electrons and protons is simply a neutral atom, not an ion at all. Therefore, the understanding of charge interactions in atoms is crucial for differentiating between anions, cations, and neutral species.